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Ramkumar R, Edge-Partington M, Terstege DJ, Adigun K, Ren Y, Khan NS, Rouhi N, Jamani NF, Tsutsui M, Epp JR, Sargin D. Long-Term Impact of Early-Life Stress on Serotonin Connectivity. Biol Psychiatry 2024; 96:287-299. [PMID: 38316332 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2024.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic childhood stress is a prominent risk factor for developing affective disorders, yet mechanisms underlying this association remain unclear. Maintenance of optimal serotonin (5-HT) levels during early postnatal development is critical for the maturation of brain circuits. Understanding the long-lasting effects of early-life stress (ELS) on serotonin-modulated brain connectivity is crucial to develop treatments for affective disorders arising from childhood stress. METHODS Using a mouse model of chronic developmental stress, we determined the long-lasting consequences of ELS on 5-HT circuits and behavior in females and males. Using FosTRAP mice, we cross-correlated regional c-Fos density to determine brain-wide functional connectivity of the raphe nucleus. We next performed in vivo fiber photometry to establish ELS-induced deficits in 5-HT dynamics and optogenetics to stimulate 5-HT release to improve behavior. RESULTS Adult female and male mice exposed to ELS showed heightened anxiety-like behavior. ELS further enhanced susceptibility to acute stress by disrupting the brain-wide functional connectivity of the raphe nucleus and the activity of 5-HT neuron population, in conjunction with increased orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) activity and disrupted 5-HT release in medial OFC. Optogenetic stimulation of 5-HT terminals in the medial OFC elicited an anxiolytic effect in ELS mice in a sex-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest a significant disruption in 5-HT-modulated brain connectivity in response to ELS, with implications for sex-dependent vulnerability. The anxiolytic effect of the raphe-medial OFC circuit stimulation has potential implications for developing targeted stimulation-based treatments for affective disorders that arise from early life adversities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raksha Ramkumar
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Moriah Edge-Partington
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Dylan J Terstege
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Kabirat Adigun
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Yi Ren
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Nazmus S Khan
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Nahid Rouhi
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Naila F Jamani
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Mio Tsutsui
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jonathan R Epp
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Derya Sargin
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
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Fallahi MS, Sahebekhtiari K, Hosseini H, Aliasin MM, Noroozi M, Moghadam Fard A, Aarabi MH, Gulisashvili D, Shafie M, Mayeli M. Distinct patterns of hippocampal subfield volumes predict coping strategies, emotion regulation, and impulsivity in healthy adults. Brain Imaging Behav 2024:10.1007/s11682-024-00904-8. [PMID: 39103671 DOI: 10.1007/s11682-024-00904-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies have suggested that the hippocampus (HC) is involved in cognitive and behavioral functions beyond memory. We aimed to investigate how the volume of each subfield of the HC is associated with distinct patterns of coping strategies, emotion regulation, and impulsivity in a healthy population. METHODS We studied a total of 218 healthy subjects using the Leipzig mind-brain-body dataset. Participants were assessed for coping strategies, emotion regulation, and impulsivity using the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ), Coping Orientations to Problems Experienced (COPE), Impulsive Behavior Scale (UPPS), and Behavioral Activation and Inhibition System (BAS/BIS). The associations between HC subfield volumes including CA1, CA2/3, CA4/DG, SR-SL-SM, and subiculum, and behavioral scores were examined using multiple linear regression models adjusted for possible confounders, including age, sex, years of education, handedness, total intracranial volume (ICV), and HC volume. RESULTS The use of emotional support, venting, and positive reframing coping strategies were significantly and positively correlated with total, total right, and total left HC volumes. Venting was significantly associated with CA1 after adjusting for age, sex, handedness, and education (P=0.001, B = 0.265, P-FDR = 0.005). No significant association was observed between CERQ subscales and HC subfield volumes after controlling for confounders and multiple analyses. However, sensation-seeking subscale of the UPPS-P was positively correlated with total and right CA2-CA3 volumes after adjustments for age, sex, handedness, ICV, and HC volumes (P=0.002, B = 0.266, P-FDR = 0.035). BAS and BIS subscales did not show significant relationship with HC subfield volumes. CONCLUSION Patterns of HC subfields volumes are associated with coping strategies, impulsivity, and emotion regulation. In particular, using emotional support, positive reframing, venting, and sensation seeking are significantly associated with certain HC subfield volumes. These findings suggest that the hippocampus may play a crucial role in modulating emotional responses and behavioral adaptations, offering potential targets for therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Sadegh Fallahi
- NeuroTRACT International Association, Tehran, Iran
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kianoosh Sahebekhtiari
- NeuroTRACT International Association, Tehran, Iran
- School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Helia Hosseini
- NeuroTRACT International Association, Tehran, Iran
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mahdi Aliasin
- NeuroTRACT International Association, Tehran, Iran
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoud Noroozi
- NeuroTRACT International Association, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Atousa Moghadam Fard
- NeuroTRACT International Association, Tehran, Iran
- School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hadi Aarabi
- Department of Neuroscience (DNS), University of Padova, Padua, Italy
- Padova Neuroscience Center, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - David Gulisashvili
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mahan Shafie
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mahsa Mayeli
- NeuroTRACT International Association, Tehran, Iran.
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Avila C, Sarter M. Cortico-striatal action control inherent of opponent cognitive-motivational styles. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.12.584623. [PMID: 38559086 PMCID: PMC10979997 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.12.584623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Turning on cue or stopping at a red light requires the detection of such cues to select action sequences, or suppress action, in accordance with cue-associated action rules. Cortico-striatal projections are an essential part of the brain's attention-motor interface. Glutamate-sensing microelectrode arrays were used to measure glutamate transients in the dorsomedial striatum (DMS) of male and female rats walking a treadmill and executing cued turns and stops. Prelimbic-DMS projections were chemogenetically inhibited to determine their behavioral necessity and the cortico-striatal origin of cue-evoked glutamate transients. Furthermore, we investigated rats exhibiting preferably goal-directed (goal trackers, GTs) versus cue-driven attention (sign trackers, STs), to determine the impact of such cognitive-motivational biases on cortico-striatal control. GTs executed more cued turns and initiated such turns more slowly than STs. During turns, but not missed turns or cued stops, cue-evoked glutamate concentrations were higher in GTs than in STs. In conjunction with turn cue-evoked glutamate spike levels, the presence of a single spike rendered GTs to be almost twice as likely to turn than STs. In contrast, multiple glutamate spikes predicted GTs to be less likely to turn than STs. In GTs, but not STs, inhibition of prelimbic-DMS projections attenuated turn rates, turn cue-evoked glutamate peaks, and increased the number of spikes. These findings suggest that turn cue-evoked glutamate release in GTs is tightly controlled by cortico-striatal neuronal activity. In contrast, in STs, glutamate release from DMS glutamatergic terminals may be regulated by other striatal circuitry, preferably mediating cued suppression of action and reward tracking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra Avila
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Martin Sarter
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Rohn TT, Radin D, Brandmeyer T, Seidler PG, Linder BJ, Lytle T, Mee JL, Macciardi F. Intranasal delivery of shRNA to knockdown the 5HT-2A receptor enhances memory and alleviates anxiety. Transl Psychiatry 2024; 14:154. [PMID: 38509093 PMCID: PMC10954635 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-024-02879-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Short-hairpin RNAs (shRNA), targeting knockdown of specific genes, hold enormous promise for precision-based therapeutics to treat numerous neurodegenerative disorders. However, whether shRNA constructed molecules can modify neuronal circuits underlying certain behaviors has not been explored. We designed shRNA to knockdown the human HTR2A gene in vitro using iPSC-differentiated neurons. Multi-electrode array (MEA) results showed that the knockdown of the 5HT-2A mRNA and receptor protein led to a decrease in spontaneous electrical activity. In vivo, intranasal delivery of AAV9 vectors containing shRNA resulted in a decrease in anxiety-like behavior in mice and a significant improvement in memory in both mice (104%) and rats (92%) compared to vehicle-treated animals. Our demonstration of a non-invasive shRNA delivery platform that can bypass the blood-brain barrier has broad implications for treating numerous neurological mental disorders. Specifically, targeting the HTR2A gene presents a novel therapeutic approach for treating chronic anxiety and age-related cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Troy T Rohn
- Department of Biological Sciences, Boise State University, Boise, ID, USA.
- Cognigenics Inc., 1372 S. Eagle Road, Suite 197, Eagle, ID, USA.
| | - Dean Radin
- Cognigenics Inc., 1372 S. Eagle Road, Suite 197, Eagle, ID, USA
| | | | - Peter G Seidler
- Cognigenics Inc., 1372 S. Eagle Road, Suite 197, Eagle, ID, USA
| | - Barry J Linder
- Cognigenics Inc., 1372 S. Eagle Road, Suite 197, Eagle, ID, USA
| | - Tom Lytle
- Cognigenics Inc., 1372 S. Eagle Road, Suite 197, Eagle, ID, USA
| | - John L Mee
- Cognigenics Inc., 1372 S. Eagle Road, Suite 197, Eagle, ID, USA
| | - Fabio Macciardi
- Cognigenics Inc., 1372 S. Eagle Road, Suite 197, Eagle, ID, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
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5
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Zhao J, Zhang G, Xu D. The effect of reward on motor learning: different stage, different effect. Front Hum Neurosci 2024; 18:1381935. [PMID: 38532789 PMCID: PMC10963647 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2024.1381935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Motor learning is a prominent and extensively studied subject in rehabilitation following various types of neurological disorders. Motor repair and rehabilitation often extend over months and years post-injury with a slow pace of recovery, particularly affecting the fine movements of the distal extremities. This extended period can diminish the motivation and persistence of patients, a facet that has historically been overlooked in motor learning until recent years. Reward, including monetary compensation, social praise, video gaming, music, and virtual reality, is currently garnering heightened attention for its potential to enhance motor motivation and improve function. Numerous studies have examined the effects and attempted to explore potential mechanisms in various motor paradigms, yet they have yielded inconsistent or even contradictory results and conclusions. A comprehensive review is necessary to summarize studies on the effects of rewards on motor learning and to deduce a central pattern from these existing studies. Therefore, in this review, we initially outline a framework of motor learning considering two major types, two major components, and three stages. Subsequently, we summarize the effects of rewards on different stages of motor learning within the mentioned framework and analyze the underlying mechanisms at the level of behavior or neural circuit. Reward accelerates learning speed and enhances the extent of learning during the acquisition and consolidation stages, possibly by regulating the balance between the direct and indirect pathways (activating more D1-MSN than D2-MSN) of the ventral striatum and by increasing motor dynamics and kinematics. However, the effect varies depending on several experimental conditions. During the retention stage, there is a consensus that reward enhances both short-term and long-term memory retention in both types of motor learning, attributed to the LTP learning mechanism mediated by the VTA-M1 dopaminergic projection. Reward is a promising enhancer to bolster waning confidence and motivation, thereby increasing the efficiency of motor learning and rehabilitation. Further exploration of the circuit and functional connections between reward and the motor loop may provide a novel target for neural modulation to promote motor behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwang Zhao
- School of Rehabilitation Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Guanghu Zhang
- School of Rehabilitation Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Dongsheng Xu
- School of Rehabilitation Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Engineering Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Intelligent Rehabilitation, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai, China
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Décarie-Spain L, Gu C, Lauer LT, Subramanian KS, Chehimi SN, Kao AE, Deng I, Bashaw AG, Klug ME, Galbokke AH, Donohue KN, Yang M, de Lartigue G, Myers KP, Crist RC, Reiner BC, Hayes MR, Kanoski SE. Ventral hippocampus neurons encode meal-related memory. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.10.561731. [PMID: 37873229 PMCID: PMC10592790 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.10.561731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
The ability to encode and retrieve meal-related information is critical to efficiently guide energy acquisition and consumption, yet the underlying neural processes remain elusive. Here we reveal that ventral hippocampus (HPCv) neuronal activity dynamically elevates during meal consumption and this response is highly predictive of subsequent performance in a foraging-related spatial memory task. Targeted recombination-mediated ablation of HPCv meal-responsive neurons impairs foraging-related spatial memory without influencing food motivation, anxiety-like behavior, or escape-mediated spatial memory. These HPCv meal-responsive neurons project to the lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) and single-nucleus RNA sequencing and in situ hybridization analyses indicate they are enriched in serotonin 2a receptors (5HT2aR). Either chemogenetic silencing of HPCv-to-LHA projections or intra-HPCv 5HT2aR antagonist yielded foraging-related spatial memory deficits, as well as alterations in caloric intake and the temporal sequence of spontaneous meal consumption. Collective results identify a population of HPCv neurons that dynamically respond to eating to encode meal-related memories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Léa Décarie-Spain
- Human & Evolutionary Biology Section, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Cindy Gu
- Human & Evolutionary Biology Section, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Logan Tierno Lauer
- Human & Evolutionary Biology Section, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Keshav S. Subramanian
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Samar N. Chehimi
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Alicia E. Kao
- Human & Evolutionary Biology Section, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Iris Deng
- Human & Evolutionary Biology Section, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Alexander G. Bashaw
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Molly E. Klug
- Human & Evolutionary Biology Section, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Ashyah Hewage Galbokke
- Human & Evolutionary Biology Section, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Kristen N. Donohue
- Human & Evolutionary Biology Section, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Mingxin Yang
- Monell Chemical Sense Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | | | - Kevin P. Myers
- Bucknell University, Lewisburg, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Richard C. Crist
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Benjamin C. Reiner
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Matthew R. Hayes
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Scott E. Kanoski
- Human & Evolutionary Biology Section, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States
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7
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Rohn TT, Radin D, Brandmeyer T, Linder BJ, Andriambeloson E, Wagner S, Kehler J, Vasileva A, Wang H, Mee JL, Fallon JH. Genetic modulation of the HTR2A gene reduces anxiety-related behavior in mice. PNAS NEXUS 2023; 2:pgad170. [PMID: 37346271 PMCID: PMC10281383 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgad170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
The expanding field of precision gene editing using CRISPR/Cas9 has demonstrated its potential as a transformative technology in the treatment of various diseases. However, whether this genome-editing tool could be used to modify neural circuits in the central nervous system (CNS), which are implicated in complex behavioral traits, remains uncertain. In this study, we demonstrate the feasibility of noninvasive, intranasal delivery of adeno-associated virus serotype 9 (AAV9) vectors containing CRISPR/Cas9 cargo within the CNS resulting in modification of the HTR2A receptor gene. In vitro, exposure to primary mouse cortical neurons to AAV9 vectors targeting the HT2RA gene led to a concentration-dependent decrease in spontaneous electrical activity following multielectrode array (MEA) analysis. In vivo, at 5 weeks postintranasal delivery in mice, analysis of brain samples revealed single base pair deletions and nonsense mutations, leading to an 8.46-fold reduction in mRNA expression and a corresponding 68% decrease in the 5HT-2A receptor staining. Our findings also demonstrate a significant decrease in anxiety-like behavior in treated mice. This study constitutes the first successful demonstration of a noninvasive CRISPR/Cas9 delivery platform, capable of bypassing the blood-brain barrier and enabling modulation of neuronal 5HT-2A receptor pathways. The results of this study targeting the HTR2A gene provide a foundation for the development of innovative therapeutic strategies for a broad range of neurological disorders, including anxiety, depression, attentional deficits, and cognitive dysfunction.
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8
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Molas S, Zhao-Shea R, Freels TG, Tapper AR. Viral Tracing Confirms Paranigral Ventral Tegmental Area Dopaminergic Inputs to the Interpeduncular Nucleus Where Dopamine Release Encodes Motivated Exploration. eNeuro 2023; 10:ENEURO.0282-22.2022. [PMID: 36599671 PMCID: PMC9840383 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0282-22.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Midbrain dopaminergic (DAergic) neurons of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) are engaged by rewarding stimuli and encode reward prediction error to update goal-directed learning. However, recent data indicate that VTA DAergic neurons are functionally heterogeneous with emerging roles in aversive signaling, salience, and novelty, based in part on anatomic location and projection, highlighting a need to functionally characterize the repertoire of VTA DAergic efferents in motivated behavior. Previous work identifying a mesointerpeduncular circuit consisting of VTA DAergic neurons projecting to the interpeduncular nucleus (IPN), a midbrain area implicated in aversion, anxiety-like behavior, and familiarity, has recently come into question. To verify the existence of this circuit, we combined presynaptic targeted and retrograde viral tracing in the dopamine transporter-Cre mouse line. Consistent with previous reports, synaptic tracing revealed that axon terminals from the VTA innervate the caudal IPN; whereas, retrograde tracing revealed DAergic VTA neurons, predominantly in the paranigral region, project to the nucleus accumbens shell, as well as the IPN. To test whether functional DAergic neurotransmission exists in the IPN, we expressed the genetically encoded DA sensor, dLight 1.2, in the IPN of C57BL/6J mice and measured IPN DA signals in vivo during social and anxiety-like behavior using fiber photometry. We observed an increase in IPN DA signal during social investigation of a novel but not familiar conspecific and during exploration of the anxiogenic open arms of the elevated plus maze. Together, these data confirm VTA DAergic neuron projections to the IPN and implicate this circuit in encoding motivated exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna Molas
- Department of Neurobiology, Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605
| | - Rubing Zhao-Shea
- Department of Neurobiology, Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605
| | - Timothy G Freels
- Department of Neurobiology, Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605
| | - Andrew R Tapper
- Department of Neurobiology, Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605
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9
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Selective Menin Deletion in the Hippocampal CA1 Region Leads to Disruption of Contextual Memory in the MEN1 Conditional Knockout Mouse: Behavioral Restoration and Gain of Function following the Reintroduction of MEN1 Gene. Cells 2022; 11:cells11244019. [PMID: 36552783 PMCID: PMC9776806 DOI: 10.3390/cells11244019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cholinergic neuronal networks in the hippocampus play a key role in the regulation of learning and memory in mammals. Perturbations of these networks, in turn, underlie neurodegenerative diseases. However, the mechanisms remain largely undefined. We have recently demonstrated that an in vitro MEN1 gene deletion perturbs nicotinic cholinergic plasticity at the hippocampal glutamatergic synapses. Furthermore, MEN1 neuronal conditional knockout in freely behaving animals has also been shown to result in learning and memory deficits, though the evidence remains equivocal. In this study, using an AVV viral vector transcription approach, we provide direct evidence that MEN1 gene deletion in the CA1 region of the hippocampus indeed leads to contextual fear conditioning deficits in conditional knockout animals. This loss of function was, however, recovered when the same animals were re-injected to overexpress MEN1. This study provides the first direct evidence for the sufficiency and necessity of MEN1 in fear conditioning, and further endorses the role of menin in the regulation of cholinergic synaptic machinery in the hippocampus. These data underscore the importance of further exploring and revisiting the cholinergic hypothesis that underlies neurodegenerative diseases that affect learning and memory.
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Wills L, Ables JL, Braunscheidel KM, Caligiuri SPB, Elayouby KS, Fillinger C, Ishikawa M, Moen JK, Kenny PJ. Neurobiological Mechanisms of Nicotine Reward and Aversion. Pharmacol Rev 2022; 74:271-310. [PMID: 35017179 PMCID: PMC11060337 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.121.000299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) regulate the rewarding actions of nicotine contained in tobacco that establish and maintain the smoking habit. nAChRs also regulate the aversive properties of nicotine, sensitivity to which decreases tobacco use and protects against tobacco use disorder. These opposing behavioral actions of nicotine reflect nAChR expression in brain reward and aversion circuits. nAChRs containing α4 and β2 subunits are responsible for the high-affinity nicotine binding sites in the brain and are densely expressed by reward-relevant neurons, most notably dopaminergic, GABAergic, and glutamatergic neurons in the ventral tegmental area. High-affinity nAChRs can incorporate additional subunits, including β3, α6, or α5 subunits, with the resulting nAChR subtypes playing discrete and dissociable roles in the stimulatory actions of nicotine on brain dopamine transmission. nAChRs in brain dopamine circuits also participate in aversive reactions to nicotine and the negative affective state experienced during nicotine withdrawal. nAChRs containing α3 and β4 subunits are responsible for the low-affinity nicotine binding sites in the brain and are enriched in brain sites involved in aversion, including the medial habenula, interpeduncular nucleus, and nucleus of the solitary tract, brain sites in which α5 nAChR subunits are also expressed. These aversion-related brain sites regulate nicotine avoidance behaviors, and genetic variation that modifies the function of nAChRs in these sites increases vulnerability to tobacco dependence and smoking-related diseases. Here, we review the molecular, cellular, and circuit-level mechanisms through which nicotine elicits reward and aversion and the adaptations in these processes that drive the development of nicotine dependence. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Tobacco use disorder in the form of habitual cigarette smoking or regular use of other tobacco-related products is a major cause of death and disease worldwide. This article reviews the actions of nicotine in the brain that contribute to tobacco use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Wills
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, New York
| | - Jessica L Ables
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, New York
| | - Kevin M Braunscheidel
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, New York
| | - Stephanie P B Caligiuri
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, New York
| | - Karim S Elayouby
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, New York
| | - Clementine Fillinger
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, New York
| | - Masago Ishikawa
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, New York
| | - Janna K Moen
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, New York
| | - Paul J Kenny
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, New York
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11
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Sherafat Y, Chen E, Lallai V, Bautista M, Fowler JP, Chen YC, Miwa J, Fowler CD. Differential Expression Patterns of Lynx Proteins and Involvement of Lynx1 in Prepulse Inhibition. Front Behav Neurosci 2021; 15:703748. [PMID: 34803621 PMCID: PMC8595198 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.703748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Negative allosteric modulators, such as lynx1 and lynx2, directly interact with nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). The nAChRs are integral to cholinergic signaling in the brain and have been shown to mediate different aspects of cognitive function. Given the interaction between lynx proteins and these receptors, we examined whether these endogenous negative allosteric modulators are involved in cognitive behaviors associated with cholinergic function. We found both cell-specific and overlapping expression patterns of lynx1 and lynx2 mRNA in brain regions associated with cognition, learning, memory, and sensorimotor processing, including the prefrontal cortex (PFC), cingulate cortex, septum, hippocampus, amygdala, striatum, and pontine nuclei. Since lynx proteins are thought to play a role in conditioned associations and given the expression patterns across brain regions, we first assessed whether lynx knockout mice would differ in a cognitive flexibility task. We found no deficits in reversal learning in either the lynx1–/– or lynx2–/– knockout mice. Thereafter, sensorimotor gating was examined with the prepulse inhibition (PPI) assessment. Interestingly, we found that both male and female lynx1–/– mice exhibited a deficit in the PPI behavioral response. Given the comparable expression of lynx2 in regions involved in sensorimotor gating, we then examined whether removal of the lynx2 protein would lead to similar behavioral effects. Unexpectedly, we found that while male lynx2–/– mice exhibited a decrease in the baseline startle response, no differences were found in sensorimotor gating for either male or female lynx2–/– mice. Taken together, these studies provide insight into the expression patterns of lynx1 and lynx2 across multiple brain regions and illustrate the modulatory effects of the lynx1 protein in sensorimotor gating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmine Sherafat
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Edison Chen
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Valeria Lallai
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Malia Bautista
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - James P Fowler
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Yen-Chu Chen
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Julie Miwa
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, United States
| | - Christie D Fowler
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
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12
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Sekul AE, Ikuta T. The human raphe-hippocampal tract and affective sensitivity: a probabilistic tractography study. Brain Imaging Behav 2021; 16:1106-1112. [PMID: 34755292 DOI: 10.1007/s11682-021-00549-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Serotonergic system plays critical roles in modulating affective control. The raphe nucleus has been known to be the origin of forebrain 5-HT afferents. Specifically, the Raphe-Hippocampal projection has been shown to modulate affective sensitivity in rodents. However, the human Raphe-Hippocampal tract is not well studied. We aimed to segment the Raphe-Hippocampal tract using probabilistic tractography on diffusion tensor imaging data from 502 subjects. The Raphe-Hippocampal tracts were successfully isolated in 464 individuals. There was a significant association between integrity of the Raphe-Hippocampal tract and affective sensitivity. To our best knowledge, this is the first study that isolated the human Raphe-Hippocampal tract. The integrity of the tract showed consistent characteristics with rodent findings, where affective sensitivity is modulated by the Raphe-Hippocampal projection. This study provides a technique to segment the human Raphe-Hippocampal tract and a translational knowledge that the tract in a human possesses consistent characteristics that have been found in rodent studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley E Sekul
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS, USA
| | - Toshikazu Ikuta
- Department of Communication Sciences, University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS, 38655, USA.
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13
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Chaves T, Fazekas CL, Horváth K, Correia P, Szabó A, Török B, Bánrévi K, Zelena D. Stress Adaptation and the Brainstem with Focus on Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22169090. [PMID: 34445795 PMCID: PMC8396605 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22169090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress adaptation is of utmost importance for the maintenance of homeostasis and, therefore, of life itself. The prevalence of stress-related disorders is increasing, emphasizing the importance of exploratory research on stress adaptation. Two major regulatory pathways exist: the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenocortical axis and the sympathetic adrenomedullary axis. They act in unison, ensured by the enormous bidirectional connection between their centers, the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN), and the brainstem monoaminergic cell groups, respectively. PVN and especially their corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) producing neurons are considered to be the centrum of stress regulation. However, the brainstem seems to be equally important. Therefore, we aimed to summarize the present knowledge on the role of classical neurotransmitters of the brainstem (GABA, glutamate as well as serotonin, noradrenaline, adrenaline, and dopamine) in stress adaptation. Neuropeptides, including CRH, might be co-localized in the brainstem nuclei. Here we focused on CRH as its role in stress regulation is well-known and widely accepted and other CRH neurons scattered along the brain may also complement the function of the PVN. Although CRH-positive cells are present on some parts of the brainstem, sometimes even in comparable amounts as in the PVN, not much is known about their contribution to stress adaptation. Based on the role of the Barrington’s nucleus in micturition and the inferior olivary complex in the regulation of fine motoric—as the main CRH-containing brainstem areas—we might assume that these areas regulate stress-induced urination and locomotion, respectively. Further studies are necessary for the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago Chaves
- Laboratory of Behavioural and Stress Studies, Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (T.C.); (C.L.F.); (K.H.); (P.C.); (A.S.); (B.T.); (K.B.)
- Janos Szentagothai School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Csilla Lea Fazekas
- Laboratory of Behavioural and Stress Studies, Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (T.C.); (C.L.F.); (K.H.); (P.C.); (A.S.); (B.T.); (K.B.)
- Janos Szentagothai School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Krisztina Horváth
- Laboratory of Behavioural and Stress Studies, Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (T.C.); (C.L.F.); (K.H.); (P.C.); (A.S.); (B.T.); (K.B.)
- Janos Szentagothai School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Pedro Correia
- Laboratory of Behavioural and Stress Studies, Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (T.C.); (C.L.F.); (K.H.); (P.C.); (A.S.); (B.T.); (K.B.)
- Janos Szentagothai School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Adrienn Szabó
- Laboratory of Behavioural and Stress Studies, Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (T.C.); (C.L.F.); (K.H.); (P.C.); (A.S.); (B.T.); (K.B.)
- Janos Szentagothai School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Bibiána Török
- Laboratory of Behavioural and Stress Studies, Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (T.C.); (C.L.F.); (K.H.); (P.C.); (A.S.); (B.T.); (K.B.)
- Janos Szentagothai School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Krisztina Bánrévi
- Laboratory of Behavioural and Stress Studies, Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (T.C.); (C.L.F.); (K.H.); (P.C.); (A.S.); (B.T.); (K.B.)
| | - Dóra Zelena
- Laboratory of Behavioural and Stress Studies, Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (T.C.); (C.L.F.); (K.H.); (P.C.); (A.S.); (B.T.); (K.B.)
- Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- Correspondence:
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14
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Wills L, Kenny PJ. Addiction-related neuroadaptations following chronic nicotine exposure. J Neurochem 2021; 157:1652-1673. [PMID: 33742685 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The addiction-relevant molecular, cellular, and behavioral actions of nicotine are derived from its stimulatory effects on neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in the central nervous system. nAChRs expressed by dopamine-containing neurons in the ventral midbrain, most notably in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), contribute to the reward-enhancing properties of nicotine that motivate the use of tobacco products. nAChRs are also expressed by neurons in brain circuits that regulate aversion. In particular, nAChRs expressed by neurons in the medial habenula (mHb) and the interpeduncular nucleus (IPn) to which the mHb almost exclusively projects regulate the "set-point" for nicotine aversion and control nicotine intake. Different nAChR subtypes are expressed in brain reward and aversion circuits and nicotine intake is titrated to maximally engage reward-enhancing nAChRs while minimizing the recruitment of aversion-promoting nAChRs. With repeated exposure to nicotine, reward- and aversion-related nAChRs and the brain circuits in which they are expressed undergo adaptations that influence whether tobacco use will transition from occasional to habitual. Genetic variation that influences the sensitivity of addiction-relevant brain circuits to the actions of nicotine also influence the propensity to develop habitual tobacco use. Here, we review some of the key advances in our understanding of the mechanisms by which nicotine acts on brain reward and aversion circuits and the adaptations that occur in these circuits that may drive addiction to nicotine-containing tobacco products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Wills
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY, USA
| | - Paul J Kenny
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY, USA
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15
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Sherafat Y, Bautista M, Fowler CD. Multidimensional Intersection of Nicotine, Gene Expression, and Behavior. Front Behav Neurosci 2021; 15:649129. [PMID: 33828466 PMCID: PMC8019722 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.649129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The cholinergic system plays a crucial role in nervous system function with important effects on developmental processes, cognition, attention, motivation, reward, learning, and memory. Nicotine, the reinforcing component of tobacco and e-cigarettes, directly acts on the cholinergic system by targeting nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in the brain. Activation of nAChRs leads to a multitude of immediate and long-lasting effects in specific cellular populations, thereby affecting the addictive properties of the drug. In addition to the direct actions of nicotine in binding to and opening nAChRs, the subsequent activation of circuits and downstream signaling cascades leads to a wide range of changes in gene expression, which can subsequently alter further behavioral expression. In this review, we provide an overview of the actions of nicotine that lead to changes in gene expression and further highlight evidence supporting how these changes can often be bidirectional, thereby inducing subsequent changes in behaviors associated with further drug intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmine Sherafat
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, Unites States
| | - Malia Bautista
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, Unites States
| | - Christie D Fowler
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, Unites States
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